Phyllis Brown
What if the everyday scenes of the 1950s—BBQs, cocktails, and playful flirting—were captured underwater? It may sound impossible, but Bruce Mozert did just that.
A prolific photographer in the 1930s, Mozert is widely regarded as the pioneer of underwater photography. He invented the first waterproof casing for cameras and perfected the lighting techniques that gave his underwater scenes their dreamlike quality.
His photos appear so natural. It’s hard to believe that these polished, professional images were among the first underwater photographs in history.
Discover the magic of his breathtaking underwater photography and immerse yourself in a world like no other!
The Birth Of Underwater Photography
Bruce Mozert, born in Ohio in 1916, was destined to make waves in the world of photography—quite literally. In 1938, while on his way to Miami, fate led him to Silver Springs, Florida, where a Tarzan movie was being filmed.
As Mozert marveled at the crystal-clear waters, he had a lightbulb moment: why not take the camera underwater? The only problem?
There was no way to do it—except for a clunky tank fit for one cameraman. But Mozert wasn’t the kind to let a challenge stop him.
So, he built his own waterproof camera case, believed to be the first of its kind, and dove into the waters of Silver Springs. What he brought back was nothing short of magic.
Mozert captured playful, domestic scenes—people reading, grilling, and lounging—underwater, giving ordinary life a dreamy, surreal twist.
His images were so stunning that Hollywood soon came calling, and he took his innovation even further by developing the first high-speed camera case and underwater lighting.
His stunning work appeared in Life, Look, and National Geographic, bringing his vision to a national audience.
Silver Springs: A Clear Water Wonderland
Silver Springs, famous for its crystal-clear waters, was the perfect setting for Mozert’s underwater shoots.
Known as Florida’s premier tourist destination long before Disney World, Silver Springs drew millions in the 1940s and ’50s.
Mozert’s images, featuring submerged scenes of daily life, were instrumental in promoting the springs.
For decades, Mozert’s underwater artistry kept tourists flocking to Florida’s hidden gem, showcasing the state’s natural beauty in a way no one had done before.
Everyday Scenes Turned Surreal
What made Mozert’s photos so enchanting was his ability to take ordinary activities and bring them underwater. To add to the magic, Mozert had to get creative with how he staged these photos.
For instance, to mimic smoke from a grill underwater, he used condensed milk, which created a cloud-like effect when rising through the water.
For bubbles in a champagne glass, he added Alka-Seltzer. These small touches gave his photos a surreal yet believable quality, enhancing their charm.
The playful, dreamlike quality of his work perfectly captured the postwar optimism of America. Mozert’s underwater photos were not just clever—they were an imaginative escape, drawing people into an underwater world of wonder.
A Lasting Legacy
For over 45 years, Bruce Mozert’s photos shaped the public image of Silver Springs and helped it remain a top destination in Florida.
Even after the opening of Disney World in 1971, Silver Springs held onto its charm, largely thanks to the magical allure of Mozert’s underwater photography.
Mozert’s influence didn’t end with the springs. His invention of waterproof camera housings revolutionized underwater photography and paved the way for future generations of photographers.
“Like a fish takes to water,” Mozert forever changed the way we see the underwater world.
